The Enigma of 'Pickles': Why Only Pickled Cucumbers Are Called So
Why are pickled cucumbers the only pickled food just called 'pickles'? This peculiar linguistic phenomenon has puzzled many who are not from the United States. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this specific usage, drawing on factors such as cultural popularity, historical context, linguistic simplification, and commercial branding.
Cultural Popularity
Pickled cucumbers, more commonly known as pickles in the United States, have a rich cultural heritage. They have been widely consumed and produced, particularly within American cuisine. This widespread consumption and production have led to pickled cucumbers becoming the most recognized form of pickled food in the U.S. People associate the term 'pickles' with cucumbers almost exclusively, especially in contexts such as fast food, snacks, and home cooking.
Historical Context
The history of pickling cucumbers dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in many cultures. Pickles were some of the first vegetables to be preserved in brine or vinegar. In many culinary traditions, cucumbers were a staple in the pickling process, making them a central part of pickling practices around the world. This historical significance has contributed to the term 'pickles' becoming synonymous with pickled cucumbers.
Linguistic Simplification
Over time, language tends to simplify, and this process can lead to the creation of shortened or more colloquial terms. In the case of pickled cucumbers, the term 'pickles' has evolved as a more convenient and commonly used shortcut. The longer and more formal term 'pickled cucumbers' became unnecessary as the term 'pickles' became widely understood to refer to pickled cucumbers. This linguistic evolution helps make the language more efficient, yet it can also lead to confusion for those unfamiliar with American terminology.
Commercial Branding
Many commercial brands focus primarily on pickled cucumbers, further solidifying the association between the term 'pickles' and pickled cucumbers. Brands that specialize in pickled cucumbers or sell them as a primary product often reinforce this association through their packaging, marketing, and product names. As a result, consumers are more likely to use the term 'pickles' when referring to pickled cucumbers, making it a part of the brand experience and consumer vocabulary.
Global Perspective
While the United States has a strong association with pickles, many other countries have their own culinary traditions and terminology for pickled vegetables. For example, pickled eggs, pickled onions, pickled cabbage, and gherkins (often called dill pickles in the U.S.) are readily available in the United Kingdom and other Western countries. In Eastern European countries, you can find pickled carrots, pickled tomatoes, and even pickled fish. In Italy, pickled vegetables are often referred to as 'Giardiniera.'
Exception in the English Language
In the U.K. and other countries that speak English, the term 'pickles' is not as commonly used when referring to pickled cucumbers. Instead, they are often referred to by more specific names or by the name of the pickling process and the vegetables involved. For instance, a sweet pickle might be known as a Branston pickle, and mustard pickles are known as piccalilli—a term that is also used in the U.S. to describe a different type of condiment.
Conclusion
The term 'pickles' in the context of pickled cucumbers is a complex phenomenon rooted in cultural, historical, and linguistic factors. While it may seem surprising to those outside of the U.S., this usage is deeply ingrained in American culinary culture. Understanding these factors can help clarify the term and explain why 'pickles' and 'pickled cucumbers' are often used interchangeably in American English.